June 19, 2 Corinthians 2
Holding his newborn daughter fills him with a sense of awe. His cheeks are wet with tears of joy. He feels deep love for this little one he’s just met, for his wife who’s endured so much to bring this baby into the world, and for God, who has blessed him with such a rich gift. He feels responsible for the child’s well-being and training. Has anything prepared him for this awesome task? (Autobiographical? Yes, indeed.)
She has worked hard, and savors the achievement of her college graduation. The interviews come next. She has some anxiety, but she is well-prepared and unintimidated. Then the call: she got the job! After the elation comes the realization that this is a big job with grown-up responsibilities. And she wonders, after all the training and hard work, “Am I competent to do this?”
Maybe you’ve felt responsibility as a parent, or with a new position or promotion. Have you felt it as a disciple of Jesus? Have you realized he gave you a gift as a member of the body of Christ, and responsibility to use that gift to bless other people?
The apostle Paul felt it. When he contemplated his place in God’s scheme, knowing his preaching would be the catalyst that would turn some to life and others to death, he asked, “Who is sufficient for these things?” He was not peddling the word of God for profit; his zeal and suffering proved his sincerity. He reminded the Corinthians (and maybe himself) of three components of his competency for ministry.
Paul knew he was sent by God. That first meeting on the Damascus road and subsequent messages from the risen Lord convinced him he was doing the work God commissioned him to do. Knowing we’re serving God and trusting that he equips those he commissions helps us bear the responsibility of serving him.
Paul also knew he was working in the sight of God. Throughout his epistles, he called God as his witness and reminded his readers that God is watching us. God sees every effort and knows every motive. No sacrifice for Christ goes unnoticed. Knowing he’s watching builds my courage and confidence, and deflates all my excuses for not obeying him.
And Paul knew he was speaking in Christ. It was Christ’s gospel he proclaimed. So Paul labored with the love and compassion of his Master, who came to seek and save the lost. It wasn’t what he accomplished, but what Christ accomplished through him. When correction was necessary, Paul did it with tears, not with delight. When discipline was required, Paul reminded the church that the goal was forgiveness and restoration, so God’s plan (not Satan’s) would be fulfilled.
When you remember that you are commissioned by God, that he sees all you do, and when you speak and act as Jesus would do, you can have confidence as you serve him.
From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament,
Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Today in God's Word—June 2024
East Tallassee Church of Christ
Comentários